Review - Fancy Nancy: Camp Fancy

Fancy Nancy: Camp Fancy (Fancy Nancy)
by Laurie Israel
illustrated by the Disney Storybook Art Team
Date: 2019
Publisher: HarperFestival
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 24
Format: e-book
Source: library

Nancy is one happy camper when she decides to have a camping trip in the backyard. But when it begins to rain, Nancy will need to bring all the wonders of the great outdoors...indoors!

Disney Junior’s Fancy Nancy is an animated family comedy starring six-year-old Nancy, a girl who is fancy in everything from her advanced vocabulary to her creative, elaborate attire. The show is based on the New York Times bestselling book series Fancy Nancy by Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

One day, Nancy is bored. Her dad suggests she help him clean out the garage. They find a tent, and Nancy has visions of staging a magnificent camping trip, complete with a campfire and s'mores. But rain spoils the plan, and the family is forced indoors.

The message about making the best of things comes through loud and clear. I was also amused by the pictures in this one. The facial expressions are great, and Nancy's fantasy about the perfect camping trip even features some cameos from some familiar Disney characters.

Overall, this is a cute little book perfect for fans of Nancy (and especially the TV-show version of Nancy).

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.17 out of 5

Review - Fancy Nancy: Toodle-oo, Miss Moo

Fancy Nancy: Toodle-oo, Miss Moo (Fancy Nancy)
by Victoria Saxon
illustrated by the Disney Storybook Art Team
Date: 2019
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

When the Clancys decide to have a yard sale, will Nancy be able to say good-bye to her oldest, most precious toy, Miss Moo?

Disney Junior’s Fancy Nancy: Toodle-oo, Miss Moo is a Level One I Can Read, perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences.

Based on the New York Times bestselling book series Fancy Nancy, which includes over 100 titles with more than 30 million books sold, Disney Junior’s Fancy Nancy is an animated family comedy centered on six-year-old Nancy, a girl who likes to be fancy in everything from her advanced vocabulary to her creative, elaborate attire.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a Fancy Nancy book based on the TV series. These books aren't among my favourites, but they're still good, clean fun with cute illustrations and clear, positive messaging.

Nancy and her family are having a yard sale. Nancy's fine with selling all her old baby toys until she spots Miss Moo, a favourite. She doesn't want Miss Moo to be sold, so she tries various things to take her off the market. But when Bree's little brother spots the toy and really wants it, Bree buys it for him as a birthday surprise. Nancy is devastated and convinces Bree to let her have the toy back. But in a sweet show of empathy, Nancy ends up relinquishing the toy when she remembers how much it meant to her when she was three.

The pictures are consistent and tolerably cute, which is about all I can really say about them. I much prefer Robin Preiss Glasser's originals. TV Nancy just doesn't seem fancy enough!

Fans of Nancy (and of the TV show in particular) will probably want to check this one out.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5

Review - Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas

Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
Date: 2009
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: Amazon.ca

What could be fancier than Christmas?

Presents with elegant wrapping paper, festive decorations, Christmas cookies with sprinkles—and who could forget the tree? After all, there is no such thing as too much tinsel. Ooh la la! This year, Nancy is especially excited about decorating the Christmas tree. She bought a brand-new sparkly tree topper with her own money and has been waiting for Christmas to come. But when things don't turn out the way Nancy planned, will Christmas still be splendiferous?

In this merriest of stories from bestselling duo Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser, Nancy proves once again that a little fancying up can go a long, festive way!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This was one of the last Fancy Nancy books I'd yet to get my hands on, so when the e-book came up in Amazon's bargain section, I snapped up a copy. As one of the original storybooks with illustrations by Robin Preiss Glasser, its charming and detailed pictures perfectly capture the holiday season in the Clancy household.

As is the case in the best of these stories, Nancy finds herself in a bit of an unpleasant situation--due to her own actions. I like the way the story was both reassuring and instructive, showing the adults helping Nancy deal with her feelings and using her skills to come up with a solution. (Yeah, that sounds vague. I don't want to spoil too much of the story.)

There's plenty of fanciness here in the illustrations. I loved looking at Nancy's outfits throughout the book. She's exquisitely fancy here, and at the top of her game.

This is a sweet family story for the holidays. I'd recommend it to fans of Fancy Nancy, of course... but also to those who are simply looking for sweet Christmas picture books. You don't need to be familiar with Nancy to enjoy this one.

Quotable moment:

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5

Review - Fancy Nancy: Nancy's Ghostly Halloween

Fancy Nancy: Nancy's Ghostly Halloween (Fancy Nancy)
adapted by Krista Tucker
illustrated by the Disney Storybook Art Team
Date: 2018
Publisher: HarperFestival
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 24
Format: e-book
Source: library

Nancy can't wait to go trick-or-treating with Bree and JoJo, and to show off her fancy butterfly costume. But when something spooky catches their eye, the girls are in for a ghostly surprise.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I thought the other Fancy Nancy Halloween book I read was pretty weak, but this one is even worse. Based on an episode of the TV show, Nancy's Ghostly Halloween features an implausible plot and misses out on the fanciness that makes the character so special.

Nancy, Bree, and JoJo are going trick-or-treating. By themselves. Yes, in TV land, apparently a couple of six-year-old girls are responsible enough to take a three-year-old out to wander the streets in the dark. When the girls go out, JoJo is immediately frightened by a sheet, thinking it's a ghost. The older girls try to reassure her, but then JoJo accidentally gets covered in Nancy's cape and they think she's a ghost. They spend the rest of the book running away from the toddler they're supposed to be looking after.

I just don't like these books that are adapted from the TV series. I've seen a few episodes of the show now, and it's cute... but not as cute as Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser's original books. Everything in the show is too slick, and not nearly fancy enough. (And what is the deal with Mrs. Devine? She looks like she got younger by about thirty years here!) Nancy is supposedly dressed as a butterfly, but really, she's just wearing a variation on her usual TV-show outfit with a pair of wings. (Look, the whole deal with Nancy is that she's fancy. Wearing the equivalent of your street clothes with a pair of wings--that can't even be seen under her cloak--is so not Nancy. At least in Candy Bonanza, she had a fancy costume befitting her character.)

The illustrations here are cute in their own right, but they're a bland representation of Nancy Clancy and everything she stands for. If you love the TV series, you might enjoy this book. Otherwise, give it a pass.

Premise: 2/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 2/5
Illustrations: 2/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.17 out of 5

Review - Fancy Nancy: Candy Bonanza

Fancy Nancy: Candy Bonanza (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Carolyn Bracken
Date: 2015
Publisher: HarperFestival
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 24
Format: e-book
Source: library

Today is Halloween and Nancy can't wait to collect candy from each house she visits. But it's hard to leave all those delectable treats in her pumpkin pail. Is there such a thing as too much candy?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a fairly weak addition to the Fancy Nancy series. I guess every picture book series needs to have a book for each of the major holidays, but this one just feels like the author and illustrator phoned it in.

Nancy goes trick-or-treating with her dad, little sister, and best friend. As she collects candy, more goes into her mouth than into her pail. Soon, she's got a terrible stomachache, and has to be taken home... so she misses the last bit of trick-or-treating.

Dad really dropped the ball here. Who lets a six-year-old stuff her face with candy handed out by strangers? (I don't know if things have changed, but we weren't even allowed to touch our loot until it had been given a once-over by our parents to check for things like tampering.) I guess maybe, in Nancy's neighbourhood, everybody knows everybody. But that's not really expressed (Nancy doesn't even seem to know most of the neighbours' names).

I'm also not a fan of the way one of the "fancy" words is used here. "Exaggerating" isn't quite "a little like fibbing, only fancier". If we're trying to teach new words with these books, the definitions need to be more precise.

The illustrations don't really impress me, either. With these books, I much prefer Robin Preiss Glasser's original illustrations, or even Ted Enik's lovely approximations of the style. Bracken gets close... but some of the magic is missing.

This is probably fine for fans of Fancy Nancy, but as a Halloween picture book, it falls a little short. I'd probably only recommend it if you're itching to read all the books in the series.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5

Review - Fancy Nancy: Apples Galore!

Fancy Nancy: Apples Galore! (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Ted Enik
Date: 2013
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Join Fancy Nancy on the perfect fall field trip—to the apple orchard. Fall is an extra-fancy season. Even the trees wear fancy colors! Nancy is determined to find a perfect Gala apple for her dad—it’s his favorite kind, and even the name sounds fancy. But what if the perfect apple is just out of reach?

Fans of Fancy Nancy will delight in this festive fall adventure story about a class trip to the apple orchard. Fancy Nancy: Apples Galore! is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it’s perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is one of the weaker Fancy Nancy titles I've read in the I Can Read! series. The story's not that great, and the illustrations (surprisingly) aren't at the level I expect from Ted Enik (who does the illustrations for most of these books in the style of Robin Preiss Glasser).

Nancy's class goes on a field trip to an orchard. Nancy's trip buddy is Lionel. He keeps making jokes (crying wolf, basically) all day, and eventually, when he's in real trouble (after doing something he was told not to), Nancy and Ms. Glass have to come to his rescue.

Now, I know Lionel is spirited, but here he's an outright brat. I really disliked him in this book. His misbehaviour drives the story and Nancy has to save the day. My favourite Fancy Nancy books are those in which the problem Nancy solves is partly (or entirely) of her own making; that's not really the case here. Because Nancy and Lionel are trip buddies, she sticks with him and tells him not to do things, but he doesn't listen. I'm glad that he's at least disciplined for his actions, but... this is really a Lionel story, not a Nancy story.

The illustrations aren't quite up to the standard I've come to expect from Enik. Also, they're usually fairly realistic, but in this book, we've got a rather Disney-esque squirrel smiling and cuddling up to Lionel's shoe, and nobody seems too concerned (or even interested).

Fancy Nancy: Apples Galore! is definitely not one of my favourites. There's too much focus on Lionel and his bad behaviour, to the point where Nancy herself is almost an afterthought. And while there is (as always) a selection of "fancy" words used throughout, I feel the inclusion of "tasty" is just insulting; if kids don't know what "tasty" means, they're probably not going to be reading I Can Read! books yet, anyway.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5

Review - Fancy Nancy and the Missing Easter Bunny

Fancy Nancy and the Missing Easter Bunny (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Carolyn Bracken
Date: 2017
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 24
Format: paperback
Source: library

Fancy Nancy can’t wait for Easter. And this year, JoJo’s class pet, Nibbles the bunny, is staying at the Clancys’ house for the weekend. But when Bree and Freddy come over to begin an Easter egg hunt, Nibbles goes missing! It’s up to Nancy to find her before anyone notices she’s gone.

From the dazzling duo Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser of the bestselling Fancy Nancy series, comes a great addition to any fancy girl's Easter basket and a perfect springtime read.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Nancy and her friends celebrate Easter with an egg hunt! Lucky for the kids, it's JoJo's turn to have the class bunny, Nibbles, at the Clancy house for the weekend. But when Nancy accidentally leaves the cage unlocked, Nibbles escapes into the yard! Nancy doesn't want anyone to know, so she quietly searches for the rabbit while the rest of the kids search for the eggs. Of course, this being a sweet little picture book, the bunny is found unharmed (although, the way Frenchy was drawn licking his lips as he was looking at the rabbit at one point, I wasn't sure there was going to be a happy ending!)... but Nancy's missed out on all the Easter eggs. True to the nature of these books, her friends and family find a way to do something really nice for Nancy.

I don't think I enjoyed this one quite as much as the regular picture books, but it's not one of the worst Fancy Nancy titles I've read. There are some nice fancy words, and a sweet story with a nice message. If you're looking for Easter books for kids, you could do a lot worse.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.33 out of 5

Review - Fancy Nancy's Elegant Easter

Fancy Nancy's Elegant Easter (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
Date: 2009
Publisher: HarperFestival
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 16
Format: paperback
Source: library

Nancy prepares an elegant Easter affair in this fancy new lift-the-flap book!

Throwing a fabulous and fancy Easter party is a very big job—and Nancy and Bree are in charge of decorating! This book includes thirteen flaps that open to reveal hidden surprises that will delight all festive Fancy Nancy fans!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I'm not all that impressed with this one. The lift-the-flap element is cute, but after the first time, it's not going to be that exciting. And there's not much story here at all. It's just Nancy, her family, and Bree getting reading for an Easter party.

It's definitely not as entertaining as the Fancy Nancy storybooks.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.17 out of 5

Review - Nancy Clancy: Super Sleuth

Nancy Clancy: Super Sleuth (Nancy Clancy #1)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
Date: 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: illustrated chapter book
Pages: 124
Format: e-book
Source: library

Nancy Clancy is growing up and ready for a whole new adventure... in her chapter book debut!

Nancy and her best friend, Bree, have everything they need to solve a mystery, from their totally professional trench coats to their top-secret code.

But when crime strikes in their classroom, will these super sleuths be able to crack the case?

Find out in the glamorous start to an all-new chapter book series featuring everyone’s favorite fancy girl!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Since I've been enjoying the Fancy Nancy picture books, I thought I'd give one of the chapter books a try. This is my first foray into the Nancy Clancy series, and I have to say, I'm not that impressed. They may be aimed at a slightly older audience than the picture books, but I actually found this book more difficult to enjoy than the books featuring six-year-old Nancy.

The illustrations, while still done by Robin Preiss Glasser, are all in black and white, so some of the magic is lost there. I also don't like the fact that these chapter books are written in a third-person point of view, unlike the picture books (which are in the first person); it distances the reader from the main character a little too much. Also, I found the "mystery" way too simple, and the culprit was way too obvious. I've often been surprised by the events in the Fancy Nancy picture books, because they're often not what one would expect. In this book, however, things are foreshadowed or hinted at too much, and it leaves little room for the reader to come up with imaginative alternate scenarios.

Part of the charm of Nancy is her over-the-top fanciness. That always played a role in the picture books. Here, though, that isn't the focus. Aside from the established background of these characters, there's really nothing to make them stand out. They might as well be original characters (and kind of boring ones, at that).

I've sated my curiosity for now. I doubt I'll be reading any more of these chapter books. While they might be okay for young readers, I wonder if the plots will even be too young for kids who are reading chapter books by themselves.

Plot: 2/5
Characters: 3/5
Pace: 3/5
Writing & Editing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 2.88 out of 5

Review - Fancy Nancy: Tea Parties

Fancy Nancy: Tea Parties (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
Date: 2009
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book non-fiction
Pages: 40
Format: hardcover
Source: library

You're invited to a tea party! Join in the fun with hostess extraordinaire Fancy Nancy.

Fancy Nancy shares her favorite tea-party tips: from what to wear, which refreshments to serve, and how to make absolutely everything--even paper plates and plastic spoons--très elegant! A perfect gentle and friendly etiquette teaching tool, Tea Parties is a great gift for your little hostess!

With a little imagination, they too can create an exquisite tea party that is perfect for friends and family. R.S.V.P. oui, oui, oui!

From the dazzling New York Times bestselling duo Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a totally adorable non-fiction title all about how to throw a fancy tea party. Nancy has lots of good (and totally doable) ideas for making the occasion special. Everything from basic etiquette to decorating to recipes is covered. (I especially like Nancy's mention of how Frenchy might love to join in the festivities, but she can't eat the food because some of it--especially chocolate--isn't good for dogs.)

The pictures are cute (as always) and this book has plenty of good ideas in it. Nancy even has instructions for throwing a tea party for your dolls. There are apparently some recipe cards in the back (perhaps blank?) but our library copy had them torn out along the perforations. I'm guessing they're just as fancy as everything else in the book, though.

I would've loved to receive a book like this when I was little. And I wouldn't hesitate to give it to a child who I thought would appreciate it. It's too cute to pass up!

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 5/5

Overall: 4.33 out of 5

Review - Fancy Nancy: Every Day Is Earth Day

Fancy Nancy: Every Day Is Earth Day (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Aleksey Ivanov & Olga Ivanov
Date: 2010
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Being green is important to Nancy--so important that she wants her family to take care of the Earth morning, noon, and night!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I'd hoped this Fancy Nancy title would be good, but I just found Nancy insufferable in this one, and the illustrations (done by Aleksey Ivanov and Olga Ivanov) were too different and therefore distracting.

Rather than being fancy, Nancy just comes across as bossy. I would've liked to see more of Nancy incorporating green ideas into being fancy, rather than unintentionally being a brat by trying to be green. (She turns off her mom's computer when she steps out of the room for a moment, deleting her work. Then she turns off JoJo's lamp and when the kid wakes up in the middle of the night, she's terrified.)

Sometimes, being green isn't practical, either. The book teaches kids things like: "Less than a mile? Then bike in style." That's all fine and good if you're going to the grocery store to buy a can of peaches and a litre of milk. But if you're doing your weekly shop, good luck hauling it all home on your bike. Especially in the middle of a blizzard. (Because the book doesn't differentiate between a trip to pick up a couple of items versus a big weekly shop, kids might end up pestering their parents about all car trips and become as annoying as Nancy.)

I'm all for doing our part to be green. But this book doesn't nearly go far enough. If Nancy really wants to do more for the environment, she should go vegan. I doubt I'm ever going to see that message in a children's book, though.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.67 out of 5

Review - Fancy Nancy: The Case of the Disappearing Doll

Fancy Nancy: The Case of the Disappearing Doll (Fancy Nancy)
adapted by Nancy Parent
illustrated by the Disney Storybook Art Team
Date: 2019
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: hardcover
Source: library

It’s time for a tea party, but Nancy’s doll, Marabelle, is nowhere to be found! Nancy and Bree will have to be sleuths (which is a fancy way of saying people who solve mysteries!) to crack the case of the disappearing doll.

Disney Junior’s Fancy Nancy: The Case of the Disappearing Doll is a Level One I Can Read, perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences.

Disney Junior’s Fancy Nancy is an animated family comedy starring six-year-old Nancy, a girl who is fancy in everything from her advanced vocabulary to her creative, elaborate attire. The show is based on the New York Times bestselling book series Fancy Nancy by Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I enjoyed this book a little more than some of the other Disney-fied Fancy Nancy titles, but it still doesn't hold up very well against the original storybooks.

In this story, Nancy's doll goes missing. She searches everywhere, and even accuses a few people of taking her (true to form, though, she apologizes when she finds out she's wrong; Nancy is, if nothing else, a nice kid). Eventually, Nancy and Bree solve the case and everyone lives happily ever after.

There are some nice "fancy" words in this one, so that's a plus. But I'm still not a huge fan of the way these characters are drawn. Nancy is nowhere near as fancy as in the original books, and Bree has lost some of her funky style that I loved so much. (She's drawn with more distinctive features in the original books, and her hair is a wonderful, ever-changing mass of butterflies, braids, and various other fancy things. In the Disney version, though, she just has a couple of plain hair puffs, and her features are very similar to Nancy's. I don't know if I'd go as far as saying she's been whitewashed, but she's definitely lost... something.)

Overall, this isn't the worst of the Disney Fancy Nancy books, but it's not the best. I'd recommend sticking with the original storybooks (or the I Can Read! titles with the original style of illustrations) unless you're a die-hard fan of the TV show.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 2/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 2.83 out of 5

Review - Fancy Nancy: Mademoiselle Mom

Fancy Nancy: Mademoiselle Mom (Fancy Nancy)
adapted by Nancy Parent
illustrated by the Disney Storybook Art Team
Date: 2019
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: hardcover
Source: library

When Mom gets sniffles that are worse than awful, Nancy decides she can help Mom by tidying up and watching JoJo. After all, Nancy is practically an expert at being a big sister, so how hard could it be?

Disney Junior’s Fancy Nancy: Mademoiselle Mom is a Level One I Can Read, perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences.

Disney Junior’s Fancy Nancy is an animated family comedy starring six-year-old Nancy, a girl who is fancy in everything from her advanced vocabulary to her creative, elaborate attire. The show is based on the New York Times bestselling book series Fancy Nancy by Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

These books simply lack the magic of the original storybook series. They're not even as good as the other I Can Read! titles by Jane O'Connor.

In this book, Nancy basically babysits JoJo while her mom takes a nap. But all JoJo wants to do is be with her mom. So Nancy's busy trying to keep her little sister downstairs, happy, and fed. She tries multitasking, but it ends in the kitchen being flooded with soap suds, the dog eating JoJo's snack, and Dad needing to step in to save the day.

The "fancy" words in this book are mainly French words, which kind of defeats the purpose of teaching children new English vocabulary. I was disappointed in that aspect of the book.

I keep reading these Disney-fied Fancy Nancy books, hoping they'll be better than they ultimately are. With the exception of Fancy Nancy: My Fanciest Things, I haven't really liked the books featuring this version of Nancy Clancy very much at all.

Premise: 2/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 2/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.33 out of 5

Review - Fancy Nancy: Stellar Stargazer!

Fancy Nancy: Stellar Stargazer! (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
Date: 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: hardcover
Source: library

From the dazzling bestselling duo Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser, a picture book with a non-fiction twist for the fancy girl who is out of this world!

Fancy Nancy thinks that everything in the sky is simply stellar, from the sun and the moon to the stars and their constellations (that's a fancy word for the shapes that stars make!). So nothing could make her happier than a special sleepover under the stars with her dad and her little sister, JoJo. Together, Nancy and JoJo wish on stars, moon bathe, and even eat astronaut ice cream! But when rain clouds cover up the stars, what's a stellar stargazer to do?

Fancy Nancy: Stellar Stargazer!, full of celestial facts and sparkling illustrations, is perfect for young explorers.

Best of all, take the glow-in-the-dark cover outside at night to launch your own fancy stargazing adventure. Ready? Three... two... one... Blastoff!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is probably one of my least favourite quasi-non-fiction Fancy Nancy titles. While it has some good vocabulary words and some interesting facts about stars and constellations, the story that ties it all together is a little weak; I feel like it's a little too similar to Fancy Nancy Sees Stars. (Both books cover the same topic, too.)

The pictures of Nancy and JoJo pretending to go on their moon mission are pretty cute, though. And I like how Nancy and her dad make the most of their backyard camping, even though the weather isn't ideal for stargazing.

Fancy Nancy: Stellar Stargazer! is still a pretty strong title and a nice addition to the series. I just don't like it as much as some of the other books with the non-fiction twist.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.5 out of 5

Review - Fancy Nancy and the Fabulous Fashion Boutique

Fancy Nancy and the Fabulous Fashion Boutique (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
Date: 2010
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: hardcover
Source: library

Welcome to Fancy Nancy's Fabulous Fashion Boutique! Here you can find the fanciest almost-new outfits, accessories, jewelry, and lots more. There's even a necklace with real rhinestones for sale. Ooh la la!

The fashion boutique is a huge success, but it's also Nancy's little sister's birthday. And when it starts to rain, her birthday party might be ruined. Nancy knows she has to come up with an idea—a brilliant one—and fast.

In this très chic story, Nancy shows once again that sometimes all you need is a little improvising to turn a fiasco into something fancy.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

When I saw the title of this one, I was skeptical. Would it be a frivolous, superficial celebration of all things fancy? I should've given the author a little more credit. Fancy Nancy and the Fabulous Fashion Boutique is actually an adorable story about family and love.

When Nancy is out shopping for supplies for JoJo's birthday party, she comes across a lace fan that she just has to have. The only problem is, she doesn't have enough money. So she decides to have a Fabulous Fashion Boutique to sell some of her old stuff to raise enough money to buy her fan.

JoJo takes a fancy to an old rhinestone necklace and desperately wants to buy it, but she doesn't have enough money. So Nancy sells it to her friend Wanda instead. But when JoJo catches Nancy wrapping her present and excitedly asks, "Is it the necklace?" Nancy realizes that her sister is going to be crushed. So she sacrifices her hard-earned money to get the necklace back from Wanda.

Nancy's dad tells her what a great big sister she is, and I agree. I couldn't help but think of another picture book heroine who's around the same age: Junie B. Jones. That kid is so selfish she'd never even think of doing something like that! This is one of the reasons I love Nancy. She may be young, but she's obviously had good parenting. She knows how to be kind, even to her little sister who can sometimes be a pain.

I would definitely recommend this installment in the Fancy Nancy series. The illustrations are adorable, as always, and the message is too good to pass up.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5

Review - Fancy Nancy's Favorite Fancy Words: From Accessories to Zany

Fancy Nancy's Favorite Fancy Words: From Accessories to Zany (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
Date: 2008
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book non-fiction
Pages: 32
Format: hardcover
Source: library

From the dazzling bestselling duo Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser, a picture book with an educational twist for the fancy girl with an even fancier vocabulary.

Fancy words are simply fascinating! Learn how to speak fancy with help from Nancy in this A–Z guide.

From everyone's favorite fancy girl comes an alphabetical guide to enhancing vocabulary. Why say "beautiful" when there are fancy words like "gorgeous" and "glamorous"? Instead of "hello," try "bonjour," which is French and so much fancier! An umbrella will keep you dry, but a parasol will make you feel like a Hollywood movie star!

With this helpful A-to-Z guide, Fancy Nancy shows that making plain words into fancy ones is not only educational, it's fun. Glossary of words included.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I really would've liked this book when I was a kid! It's basically an alphabet book for older kids featuring lots of fancy words. Each one is illustrated (with pictures you'll probably recognize from other Fancy Nancy titles, if you've read enough of them) and used in a sentence so readers can get context.

There's not much more to say about this one. But if you like Fancy Nancy and her fancy words, this is probably a book you'll want to add to your collection.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5

Review - JoJo and the Twins

JoJo and the Twins (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
Date: 2018
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: hardcover
Source: library

Fancy Nancy's little sister JoJo returns in her very own adventure!

JoJo is helping Mommy and Daddy with the new twins. But they look the same! How will JoJo tell the twins apart? JoJo's plan will keep you laughing.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Nancy and JoJo's mom was apparently pregnant at some point, because the girls now have twin brothers, Robby and Teddy! In this book, the premise is that it's difficult to tell the brothers apart. One of them has a little red mark on his butt, but other than that, they're identical. JoJo takes it upon herself to try to help differentiate the boys, but her mom catches her before she can do any damage with her markers. Eventually, though, JoJo finds a much cuter way to tell her new siblings apart.

The story in this one is cute, but simple (as in all the books told from JoJo's point of view). I don't know if these twins are new or if they've been around for a while (do they appear in the Nancy Clancy chapter books, for example?) but I kind of wish they were in more of the picture books; it would be interesting to see how Nancy deals with two un-fancy little brothers!

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.5 out of 5

Review - Fancy Nancy: Bonjour, Butterfly

Fancy Nancy: Bonjour, Butterfly (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
Date: 2008
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: hardcover
Source: library

Fancy Nancy thinks butterflies are simply exquisite. And that is why she can't wait for her friend Bree's Butterfly Birthday. It's going to be the fanciest birthday party ever!

But when Nancy finds out she can't go because her grandparents' fiftieth anniversary party is the same day, she is furious. (Mad is way too plain for how she feels.) How Nancy overcomes her disappointment and reconnects with her family is a fun and meaningful story for young readers.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I don't think this is one of my favourites. The story just seems a little weak compared to some of the others.

Nancy is all excited to go to her friend's birthday party. But it happens to be on the same day as her grandparents' anniversary party, which is out of town. So Nancy basically gets mad and sulks in the lead-up to the party. (The illustrations are actually pretty amusing here. The pictures of her being devastated, disappointed, and dramatic are funny.) Eventually, she has fun celebrating the special day with her family and she apologizes for being angry earlier. After that, as a bit of a consolation prize, her mom takes her to the butterfly garden at the local zoo and Nancy sees a pretty blue butterfly just like the one she was going to dress up as for Bree's Butterfly Birthday party.

I did like the fact that Nancy apologized for her behaviour, but I felt sympathy for her, too. What kid wants to go to a party for a couple of old folks when there's a butterfly-themed kids' party being dangled in front of their nose?

So... this one was just okay for me. It's not a bad book, but it doesn't quite live up to some of the others that I've previously read.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.33 out of 5

Review - Fancy Nancy: Aspiring Artist

Fancy Nancy: Aspiring Artist (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
Date: 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: hardcover
Source: library

Portraits: Fancy.
Collages: Très fancy.
Splatter paintings: Très, très fancy!

It's spring vacation, and Nancy is feeling glum because her best friend, Bree, is out of town. Luckily, it's Nancy's mom to the rescue! When she brings home a brand-new set of glitter markers, Nancy puts her trademark flair to très creative use and devotes herself to becoming a serious artist (or artiste, as the French say). After all, everything about being an artist is fancy, fancy, fancy—especially when inspiration strikes!

Complete with instructions on how to create your own artistic masterpieces, Fancy Nancy: Aspiring Artist will get your creative juices flowing and your fancy in full swing.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I really enjoyed this quasi-non-fiction Fancy Nancy title. This time, it's about art and artists. When Bree goes away to New York City, Nancy is left behind to her own devices. She's feeling a little glum, so her mom brings her a set of glitter markers. Nancy gets to work, making all sorts of art.

Since Bree is away, Nancy spends quite a bit of time with another friend, Lionel. He's a pretty goofy kid, but he's also a really good artist, so he and Nancy spend a lot of time drawing. Then Nancy's dad takes them to an art museum where they get to see some works by the masters.

Throughout the book, kids are introduced to various historical artworks and the artists who created them. Degas, Monet, Matisse, and Pollock are all mentioned, and versions of their pieces are included. I thought Nancy's impressions of a Jackson Pollock painting were pretty astute, and it shows kids that there's more than one way to look at a piece of art.

When they get home, Nancy and Lionel (with the help of JoJo and Frenchy) make a great big Pollock-inspired painting. (That illustration is one of my favourites in the book!) And by the end of the week when Bree returns, Nancy has made enough art that she decides to hold an art show in the backyard for her parents and friends.

This book seems to have a little more story to it than some of the other titles with the non-fiction slant. The narrative is laid out using the days of the week (perhaps counting down the days until Bree returns). Overall, it's a strong installment in the Fancy Nancy series and will likely appeal to budding artists.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5

Review - Fancy Nancy: Ooh La La! It's Beauty Day

Fancy Nancy: Ooh La La! It's Beauty Day (Fancy Nancy)
by Jane O'Connor
illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
Date: 2010
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: hardcover
Source: library

From the dazzling bestselling duo Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser, a picture book with a do-it-yourself twist for the fancy girl who wants to pamper mom on her special day!

What better way to fancy Mom up for her birthday than to treat her to a super-deluxe beauty day created by Fancy Nancy herself? It's a pampering paradise, and right in the backyard.

With relaxing music, fragrant lotions, colorful nail polish, and foamy mousse, Nancy gives her mom a total makeover. She even treats her to sumptuous refreshments and special entertainment. But when the pampering suddenly goes too far, has Nancy ruined her mom's big day?

Complete with tips and recipes for creating a super-deluxe beauty day of your own, Fancy Nancy: Ooh La La! It's Beauty Day will inspire budding beauty experts to open up shop and join in the deluxe fanciness!

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a fun Fancy Nancy title for kids who enjoy playing beautician. Nancy decides to give her mom a spa day. Mom's a really good sport, given that the "spa" is located in Nancy's backyard tent and the assistants are a toddler and a dog. She even puts up with the "relaxing" music from Nancy's recorder!

There are plenty of little things here for kids to try. There's a recipe for a face mask (which could be eaten, if you got really hungry), a recipe for yogurt parfait (in case you're really, really hungry), and instructions on how to make a relaxing foot soak. Nancy even tells readers, step by step, how to apply nail polish.

The story in this one is pretty cute. Nancy's mom needs to get dolled up for her birthday, so Nancy--in addition to giving her the full spa treatment--does her hair. She uses a ton of mousse and tiny braids to add volume... with somewhat predictable results. In tears, Nancy enlists the help of Mrs. DeVine, who manages to salvage Mom's hair for her big night out.

The pictures in this one are pretty funny. We see Mom humouring her kids, even when they make a mess of things. JoJo is all dressed up as Nancy's assistant, complete with oversized gloves, a lobster bib, and a clear shower cap. Even the dog is fancy! (But, then, isn't she always?)

This seems like a bit more of a superficial title, and while it is in some ways, it still has the same themes of love and family that many of the better Fancy Nancy books do. So I would recommend it, especially to kids who enjoy pampering their friends and family.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.83 out of 5